Ten Years of Camp Bestival

DD and I started our festival forays with Eastern Haze in Suffolk in 2007. 



Sadly that year Eastern Haze suffered dreadfully from bad weather and the organisers wound it up, never to return. But DD and I were hooked. Hooked on the mud, the toilets, the late nights, the friendly festival goers, the laughter and the music. So I looked about for a new festival, suitable for an eight year old and her mum to attend and I found Camp Bestival. Billed as a cross between a festival and a holiday camp, with a mix of music and kids activities it sounded perfect, and so it turned out. 



We went to the 2010 festival, and have been to every Camp Bestival since.

This year is the tenth Camp Bestival and the headliners have just been announced. (and yes I'm going to save that for later) It made me think back to previous year's headliners and who I would have picked for this year if I was asked to choose (I wasn't)



The first year of Camp Bestival 2008, which we didn't attend, was by all accounts a bit of a steep learning curve for the organisers. But the headliners that year included Chuck Berry, Flaming Lips, and Kate Nash.

In 2009 the headliners included Florence and the Machine, PJ Harvey, Will Young, Tinchy Stryder,  Kid Creole and the Coconuts, and Goldie Lookin' Chain, I confess I'm rather sad I missed 2009!

In 2010, the first year we attended the headliners included Madness, Calvin Harris, Billy Bragg, The Human League, Ellie Goulding, Tinie Tempah (who swore hilariously)  and The Cuban Brothers and it was brilliant! Madness were so much fun, my favourite memory of the festival was dancing with the kids, in the dark, with glowsticks all aglow



In 2011 we saw Blondie, Mark Ronson and the Business International, and Primal Scream. Other performers included ABC, The Wonder Stuff, House of Pain, Eliza Doolittle, Bad Shepherds, Easy Star All-Stars, though we missed a secret performance in the woods by Ed Sheeran!

In 2012 the headliners were  Kool and the Gang, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Hot Chip, The Happy Mondays, and Rizzle Kicks, and again we had a fab time dancing the night away.

In 2013 headliners included Levellers and Labrinth, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, The 1975 and Clean Bandit. But for some reason I recall less about the music that year - maybe we spent longer in the comedy tent.

In 2014 headliners James, De La Soul, and Basement Jaxx, were joined by Sinead O' Connor, The Cuban Brothers, Chas & Dave, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Wedding Present, and Charlotte Church. DJs include Boy George.

2015 saw us boogying to headliners Clean Bandit, Kaiser Chiefs (just loved being part of a huge festival singalong to Ruby, Ruby, Ruby) and Underworld. Also featuring were Ella Henderson, Professor Green, Wretch 32, Kate Tempest, Bob Geldof, Soul II Soul, Level 42, Alison Moyet, Ella Eyre, George The Poet, and Slaves, (who I hadn't heard before and they were great).

Last year, 2016, was one of DD's favourites, Jess Glynne, and we both loved Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim on Saturday night an amazing DJ set. Sunday's headliners were Tears for Fears. We had plenty of old school tunes too with Bananarama, DJ Yoda, The Cuban Brothers, & Rob Da Bank's Prince tribute, And of course every year that is any good features Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer.

So who do I think should headline 2017? Madness of course! And lucky me, because they are indeed going to give us a reason to don baggy trousers and dance in a field in 2017





Trust me - you really don't want to miss this. The lineup is spectacular as always and great value for money. I've seen Bootleg Beatles before too, lovely to feel part of the swinging sixties(I was born in 1965 before you ask)  And Mark Ronson is always entertaining. Arrive on Thursday, leave Monday and spend all the time in between relaxed and being entertained by the stars.



This years fancy dress theme is Popstars and Rockstars. I'm having a think...but feel free to add suggestions in the comments! 

Ticket Info:
Camp Bestival 2017 Weekend Tickets are on sale now via: Ticketline / 0844 888 4410
WEEKLY PAYMENT PLAN
The Camping Bestival 2017 Weekly Payment Plan is on sale now. Use our 30-week payment plan from £5 per week. Book online via Ticketline only.

CAMP BESTIVAL 2017 EARLY BIRD WEEKEND TICKET PRICES
Adult Weekend Ticket - £175*
Student Weekend Ticket - £165* / Age 13 to 17 Weekend Ticket - £105*
Age 10 to 12 Weekend Ticket - £80* / Age 5 to 9 Weekend Ticket - £30*
Age 4 & Under Weekend Ticket - £10*
Babes in Arms (1 & Under) - FREE (but ticket required)*
*All tickets include camping from Thursday / Please refer to the Camp Bestival Ticket Terms & Conditions below

Car Parking - £20 in advance / Campervan Ticket (Field A) - £90
Caravan / Trailer Tent Ticket (Field A) - £100
T&Cs here before booking
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